Local Business

GWM Water managing director, Mark Williams, said the
organisation was taking advantage of spring conditions and healthy levels in
most reservoirs to improve water quality and availability.

The authority has commenced transferring 5000 megalitres of
water from an almost-full Lake Bellfield into Taylors Lake to help improve
water quality. Taylors Lake, the backup supply source for the Wimmera Mallee
Pipeline, has poor water quality compared to other reservoirs supplying the
pipeline.

"The water transfers are part of a system-wide plan to
balance consumptive, recreation and environmental water needs across the
region," Mr WIlliams said.

He said the transfers, which would be via waterways and
transfer channels, would be finished before the end of October to minimise loss
of water due to seepage and evaporation.

Mr Williams said Lake Bellfield, currently 95% full, was the
main water supply source for the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, with Taylors Lake
being a backup supply.

"Transferring water from Lake Bellfield will help
improve water quality in Taylors, in case it is needed to supply the
pipeline," Mr Williams said.

"At the moment Lake Lonsdale, together with Rocklands
Reservoir and Lake Wartook, is providing environmental releases. The current
supply situation means we can use other options to meet the environmental needs
of the Wimmera River system, taking some of the demand off Lake Lonsdale."

Lonsdale is currently at 51% of capacity, holding 26,980
megalitres in storage against a full supply capacity of 65,480 megalitres.

Constructed in 1903, Lake Lonsdale has a current inflow of
170 megalitres per day after rainfall over the past 24 hours of seven
millimetres.

GWMWater is also investigating transferring a further 5,000
megalitres of water into Taylors Lake from Rocklands Reservoir as another water
quality improvement action.

Mr Williams said GWMWater will work with key stakeholders
about the needs of Green Lake near Horsham if this transfer went ahead.

"This transfer would provide an opportunity to further
improve the water quality in Taylors Lake while at the same time providing a
top up for Green Lake," Mr Williams said.

"We are working closely with key stakeholders to
ascertain the needs of the lake and if they want to tap into this opportunity
as the water travels past on its way to Taylors."

Toolondo Reservoir is currently at reasonable levels but may
also benefit from the transfer. A supply is dependent on the amount of water
available for transfer from Rocklands.

Mr Williams said GWMWater would continue to work closely
with all regional stakeholders to ensure water management decisions provided
the best possible outcomes for the broader community.